Amelia coach heads CSC giving campaign

Amelia High School baeball coach Jeff Hurt is leading Cancer Support Community's annual giving campaign.

Amelia High School's varsity baseball coach, Jeff Hurt, is working on a different kind of pitch this fall as he leads the 2013-2014 Annual Giving campaign for Cancer Support Community Greater Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky.

In addition to being a coach, Hurt is also a senior project manager at The Midland Group, a brain tumor survivor, and a participant at CSC.

"As a coach, I know a lot about teamwork, commitment and playing to win - but when cancer is the opponent, the stakes are higher than ever," Hurt said. "My family and I have benefited greatly from CSC's programs and truly appreciate the financial support that makes it possible for CSC to provide their programs and services free of charge. I hope many people will join me in making a generous donation to the annual giving campaign to help ensure that no one will have to fight cancer alone."

In a heartfelt letter Hurt sent to friends and supporters, he shared some of his medical struggles since being diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2004 as a 28-year old newlywed who had just started coaching baseball at his alma mater.

"I've had three brain surgeries, dozens of radiation treatments and almost a year and a half of chemotherapy, so I know great medical care is essential," Hurt said. "But just like in baseball, you need intangibles, too. That is what Cancer Support Group offers - help with the emotional, psychological, and practical issues of fighting cancer."

CSC offers more than 220 programs a month including support groups, healthy lifestyle and stress reduction classes, and educational presentations, all designed to complement medical care, improve the recovery process and help restore a sense of control.

"Over the past nine years my family and I have taken advantage of many programs including networking groups, cooking and nutrition classes, and workshops on finances and career issues," Hurt said. "We are so thankful that there is never a fee to participate, but we know that CSC incurs considerable costs to provide these programs. We are honored to help raise funds to make sure these programs remain available and free of charge to help others battling cancer."

Contributions to CSC's Annual Fund may be made by mail (4918 Cooper Road; Cincinnati, 45242), online (cancersupportcincinnati.weshareonline.org/AnnualGiving13), or by phone (513-791-4060). All funds raised stay in the local community to support programs in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.